intermediari

Intermediari refers to individuals or organizations that act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers, lenders and borrowers, or other parties involved in an exchange. The core function is to facilitate transactions and communication, often by reducing information asymmetry, coordinating terms, and, in some cases, delivering or validating goods and services without taking ownership.

Common types include brokers and agents (in markets such as real estate, insurance, or finance), distributors and dealers, financial intermediaries (banks, payment processors, asset managers), and professional intermediaries (lawyers, notaries). Digital platforms and marketplaces can also function as intermediaries by connecting users and enabling transactions.

Key functions include information provision, matchmaking, due diligence, contract facilitation, risk transfer (such as credit or escrow arrangements), logistics coordination, and regulatory compliance (for example know-your-customer and anti-money-laundering requirements).

Benefits of intermediaries include increased market liquidity, lower transaction costs, wider access to buyers and sellers, and improved price discovery. They can also reduce search costs and help align incentives between parties.

Risks and regulatory considerations include conflicts of interest, misrepresentation, fraud risk, and dependence on a single intermediary. In many jurisdictions, intermediaries must be licensed, disclose fees, and adhere to professional or fiduciary standards.

Sector examples: commercial brokers in trade, financial intermediaries in banking and investment, real estate agents, insurance intermediaries, and digital platform intermediaries in e-commerce.